New Year’s Eve crush to ease as fun spreads out to suburbs
Melbourne’s New Year’s Eve party is set to rock the city and the suburbs as thousands ring in 2019 tonight. Lord Mayor Sally Capp has urged revellers to enjoy the night safely. Here’s everything you need to know.
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Melbourne’s New Year’s Eve party will rock the city and the suburbs as thousands ring in 2019.
More than 350,000 people are expected to flood the CBD, a number significantly down on previous years as more revellers opt to celebrate at suburban hotspots.
SCROLL DOWN FOR EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NYE
While fireworks will be launched from 22 city rooftops, celebrations will also roll out from Footscray Park to the Mornington Peninsula.
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Having lured more than half a million people for the midnight entertainment in previous years, Melbourne City council says the forecast drop isn’t due to safety concerns, but a strategy to disperse reveller numbers across key sites.
Maribyrnong council is among local government areas hoping to ease the squeeze by hosting an early fireworks event from 9.30pm at Footscray Park.
St Kilda Beach will be another hotspot, with authorities confident there won’t be a repeat of recent gang-related violence.
Officers in the city have been granted power to conduct on-the-spot searches of partygoers and vehicles in a declared zone stretching from Dudley, Peel and Victoria streets to the north, and Domain and St Kilda roads.
They will also be able to order someone wearing a face covering that conceals their identity to leave the area if they refuse to remove it.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp urged revellers to start 2019 with no regrets and to enjoy tonight’s party safely.
Cr Capp issued a last-minute reminder to party-goers to celebrate responsibly.
“For everyone coming into the city tonight, you can help us. You can help us by looking out for your mates, by reporting anti-social behaviour and by also taking personal responsibility for your own behaviour,” she said.
“Safety is our priority. We want you to have a fantastic time, bringing in the new year but we want you want you to wake up in 2019 with no regrets.’’
As many as 350,000 people are expected in central Melbourne for the fireworks spectacular but Cr Capp would not be drawn into whether the Victorian capital’s celebration was better than Sydney’s.
“It’s the perennial question. Can I say it will be different? We take a different approach to Sydney.’’
But Cr Capp did point out that Melbourne had 14 tonnes of fireworks compared to Sydney’s 8.5 tonnes.
“So in terms of magnitude ours is different.’’
‘BE SENSIBLE AND RESPONSIBLE’: POLICE
Police have warned that drunken revellers could wake up with more than a hangover on New Year’s Day with officers dishing out $645 fines for public drunkenness.
Police will be out in full force on one of their busiest nights of the year with the critical incident response, public order, mounted branch and water police working to keep Victorians safe.
Deputy Commissioner Shane Patton said anyone caught breaking the law will be held to account.
“We’re not the anti-party police but we are here to make sure you’re behaving properly,” Mr Patton said.
He urged party goers to “be sensible and be responsible”.
“You don’t want to wake up tomorrow and be impacted by something you did that’s going to adversely impact you for the rest of your life,” Mr Patton said.
“Bear that in mind when you think you’re having a few too many.”
Melbourne’s CBD as well as St Kilda foreshore and Albert Park will be a complete alcohol free zone and police will be on high alert for any signs of drug trafficking at popular venues.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Indigenous rap artist Adam Briggs will provide the soundtrack for the city when the clock strikes midnight.
The Shepparton-born musician’s tunes will echo across the CBD as Melbourne’s pyrotechnic team gives Sydney’s spectacular a run for its money.
Elsewhere, more relaxed celebrations are expected at popular tourist spots, including Wilson’s Prom, the Surf Coast and the Murray River.
Public transport will be free in Melbourne for 12 hours from 6pm, with night coach services also running to regional centres.
Weather bureau duty forecaster Richard Russell said mild weather was expected.
“Victoria will experience relatively clear conditions, perhaps a cooler night on the coast,” he said.
Melbourne temperatures are set to dip to a minimum of 15C, while warmer conditions are expected in the state’s north.
Metropolitan Fire and Emergency Services acting deputy chief officer Adam Dalrymple urged those ringing in the new year to stay safe.
“We want everyone to enjoy the festivities but also want to remind people that the choices you make can affect others around you,” Mr Dalrymple said.
“Don’t be complacent as fires can and do happen.”
Over the past two summers, MFB firefighters have responded to 32 firework-related emergencies. Most were fires sparked by illegal fireworks — almost a third of the illegal firework incidents MFB responded to last year were caused by children.
“Fireworks should only be handled by a licensed pyrotechnician,” Mr Dalrymple said. “They can be dangerous and unpredictable when not used properly and can result in grass fires, property damage, serious burns and even death.
“The few seconds of fun are not worth it. Instead, enjoy the many free and legal displays being held across the city and Victoria.”
WHERE ALL THE ACTION IS
ELWOOD
Salsa dancing, Elwood foreshore, 7pm-1am.
DANDENONG
Music, rides and food stalls, Harmony Square, from 6pm. Fireworks 9.25pm.
FOOTSCRAY
Music and food trucks, Footscray Park, 6.30-10.30pm. Fireworks, 9.30pm.
FITZROY
Dog show, movies and food trucks, Edinburgh Gardens, from 2pm.
MORDIALLOC
Family rides, food. Fireworks, Peter Scullin Reserve, from 9.30pm.
MELTON
Races, rides and midnight fireworks, Tabcorp Park Cobblebank, from 5pm.
MORNINGTON PENINSULA
Movies, live music and midnight fireworks, Dromana 3 Drive-In, from 5.30pm.
Mini golf, jumping castle and live music, Boneo Maze, Fingal, 6-10pm.
DAYLESFORD
New Year’s Eve parade, Vincent St, 6-10pm.
BENDIGO
Fireworks, Rosalind Park,9.15pm and midnight.
BALLARAT
Studio 54 New Year’s Eve party, The Mallow, from 4pm.
GEELONG
Fireworks, Geelong Waterfront, 9.30pm and midnight.
WEATHER FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE
Melbourne: Top of 25 forecast, partly cloudy and slight chance of shower. Low of 15.
WEATHER FOR NEW YEAR’S DAY
Melbourne: Top of 26 forecast, mostly sunny and light winds. Low of 15.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE
The best way to keep your pets safe on New Year’s Eve is to keep them indoors for the main event and protect them from the sound of fireworks. Close blinds/curtains, create a comfortable hiding place and allow your dog to go there to feel safe. Remove any sharp objects that might injure a panicking animal.
Put on some music or the TV to help mask the noise outside, and distract your dog with games and food.
If you cannot supervise your dog on the night, consider making alternative arrangements so they will be safe.
Make sure your dog is microchipped and that your contact details are up to date on the microchip register. Also ensure they are wearing an ID tag so they can be easily returned if they accidentally escape.
TIPS FOR ENJOYING YOUR EVENING
If you want to enjoy NYE festivities in the city the key is to PLAN AHEAD. Have an idea of where you want to be and how you plan to get there.
Try to avoid moving around too much, the crowds will make moving from venues extremely difficult.
The live site events and all City council events are alcohol free and fines apply.
Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Pack a picnic rug if you’re heading to one the live sites.
SECRET TO SUCCESS
Olympia Valance has learnt the beauty of being bold and is pledging to continue to take risks in the new year.
The Playing For Keeps star said she had big plans for 2019, including a second season of the show and a film role.
“I feel like I got my groove back this year,” Valance said. “It was a big turning point for my career. I feel great about 2018 but I am so excited about 2019.”
Valance was checking out the final preparations for the New Year’s Eve Secret Garden Rooftop Party at Crown Aviary on Saturday.
She said those looking for a change in the new year should look within.
“Trust your gut. I always say your gut feeling is actually guardian angels putting you on the right path,” she said.
“I have had some business ideas boiling and my plan is to bring them to life next year.”
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